Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring ended in a draw against Mario Barrios in a recent WBC welterweight title fight in Las Vegas. The eight-division world champion came back after four years away from professional boxing.
The fight stirred up controversy even before the first punch was thrown. Pacquiao got ranked number 5 in the WBC welterweight rankings despite not having fought since 2021. This decision didn't sit well with many boxing fans and experts.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman admitted the ranking was a mistake. He confirmed Pacquiao will be removed from the list, responding to the widespread criticism.
In the ring, Pacquiao showed flashes of his experience but also looked rusty after his long break. Barrios, younger and more active, kept up the pace and avoided being outclassed by the Filipino legend.
The draw left many fans unsatisfied. They expected a clear victory to justify Pacquiao's high ranking. Critics argued the WBC favored Pacquiao because of his name and legacy, not his recent sporting merit.
"You can't rank someone who hasn't fought in years,"
became a common refrain among disappointed boxing enthusiasts.
Supporters of the decision argued it honored a historic figure in the sport. But the controversy highlighted broader issues with the transparency and criteria of boxing sanctioning bodies.
For Pacquiao, the draw raises questions about his boxing future. Was this a symbolic farewell or the start of a new chapter? The WBC, meanwhile, will adjust its rankings and likely evaluate future fights with stricter sporting criteria.
The fight showed that boxing battles happen both in the ring and in offices. Fans remain divided between respecting legends and demanding sporting justice. As the dust settles, it's clear the sport continues to grapple with balancing tradition and fair competition.
